More than one in six young people have been personally affected by gun and knife crime, a survey claims.

Children's charity NCH found 29 per cent had been affected in some way, 36 per cent were worried about such crime in their area and 20 per cent felt in danger. Nearly half knew someone personally affected.

Almost two in three told the poll drugs were to blame for a spiral in violence. Other reasons given were self-protection, image, peer pressure and revenge.

Almost half of the 800 under-25s quizzed said types of music and violent computer games added to the problem.

Nch yesterday called for under-16s to be included in official survey data to help understand the extent to which young people are crime victims.

It wanted more access to structured activities and involving the young in developing youth services.

Nch boss Clare Tickell said: "This is a dramatic snapshot into the thoughts and experiences of young people.

"We must stop labelling them the problem.

They can take us to the solution."

29% had been affected in some way by gun and knife crime

800 people under 25 quiz zed over six months about their experiences

On reasons for getting involved with weapons 2 in 3 blamed drugs, peer pressure and image